Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/764204630491405463/?autologin=true

Dear Ones,

It’s like we all have been plucked out of our lives and inserted into the middle of a science fiction movie.  In this movie, I feel like I have been transformed into a zebra, running with my family and friends in a frantic herd from the “invisible lions.”  The lions are ready and quite capable of snagging those of us who cannot sprint as fast and as long as those around us.  It is easy to feel frightened.  Will a loved one or I become dinner?

Being over 60, I find myself and many of my clients, friends, and family in the high-risk category. It makes you more cautious, and every day you try to balance your life with living and not just surviving COVID 19. So, I repeat a handful of mantras in my head:

• Worrying is a wasted emotion, praying for what you don’t want to happen.  Stop Worrying and start thinking pragmatically.
• Grow daisies from cow pies.  Whenever life shits on me (pardon my language), I always told myself, ‘Well, here is new fertilizer to grow something beautiful.’  Now, I think how can I grow during the pandemic?

I realize that it is unwise to do hands-on volunteer work with those in need during the pandemic because of my age. What can I do from my home?  I created a list of clients, students, friends, and family living alone and call them. I sign electronic petitions and donate to charities dealing with critical issues and causes.  I try to stay informed, but not to the extant that my hair starts to fall out from stress.  Most important, I have given myself permission to slow down and smell the daises even though they are growing from a hot steamy pile of cow dung.

If you are “sheltering-in-place,” is this a good time for you to start writing, completing, or updating your legacy letter? If so, remember that this is an unprecedented historical event, one that we hope our descendants need not experience.  Yet, I am sure they would appreciate knowing what it was like for you living during COVID 19 Pandemic. What have you learned about yourself and your family?  What have you learned that could help others during a crisis? Whether it is strategies that help you stay physically and emotionally healthy, process grief and loss, or financial advice based on a rapidly shrinking economy; all these topics are exceptionally valuable for future generations.

Keeping a perspective, a sense of humor, and practicing gratitude have been my cushion to rest my mind, body, and spirit; and writing dear friends.  Write, write, write.  Even if you don’t want to share your writings.  It can always be an elixir for your soul. It’s hard to start when you feel beleaguered. Start out writing to your best friend, you! It will get easier.  I am here if you need help or encouragement.

Leah The Legacy Letter Lady

leah@legacyletter.org
(414) 238-1577

PS. If I don’t respond right away, I am on a quest to find more TP (While the lion is chasing me), and I will get back to you shortly.